New Delhi plans to borrow 17.2 trillion rupees ($187 billion) in the year starting April 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her budget speech on Sunday.
Pakistan's Ishaq Dar says the powerful military backed conglomerate will take the lead of converting loans extended by UAE into a stake, as Islamabad’s external debt load grows.
Debt-burdened farmers cling to paddy even as it drains soil, water, and future prospects. ‘Crop diversification is a nice buzz word but nothing’s done at the policy level.’
Economic activity has rebounded in LMICs post pandemic, but the debt accumulated in that period has continued to grow, driven by both short & long-term debt.
World Bank's International Debt Report 2024 finds Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka & Maldives together owe $324.6 bn to external lenders.
Freebies promised during polls, subsidies, swelling wage & pension bills are adding to the debt pile of states like Himachal Pradesh & Punjab. Revenue expenditure rationalisation can help.
The full budget retains focus on fiscal consolidation. In her budget speech, finance minister mentioned the intent will be to fix fiscal deficit with debt-GDP ratio on a declining path.
RBI said India’s rising retail participation in the F&O market may pose several challenges, and the stock of household debt is 'comparatively high' in relation to GDP per capita.
The total value of imports is currently higher than that of exports in the Maldives. The Covid-19 pandemic was an external shock that jolted the country’s tourism industry.
Maldives’ external debt servicing to touch $1.07 bn in 2026. Economic realities have forced a change in tactics towards India by the ‘pro-China’ Muizzu government.
Armenia has procured significant defence equipment from India, including artillery guns, multi-barrel rocket launchers, air defence system, sniper rifles, weapons locating radars, anti-drone weapons.
The key to fighting a war successfully, or even launching it, is a clear objective. That’s an entirely political call. It isn’t emotional or purely military.
COMMENTS